The Boss's Pet: Sharing Among Friends (7 page)

“You look hot whether you’re relaxed or fresh from a run. How do you do it, Nick?” Katherine’s gaze behind her sunglasses followed him, he was sure, as he pulled out a chair in the shade and sat with them.

“You’re so good for a man’s ego, hon!”

Enrico grabbed the carafe and refilled their cups. “Nick, when are you bringing her to Palm Springs? We’d love to get together with you two again!”

“I think she’s finally agreed to go, we just need to finalize the plane tickets and let Gloria know we’ll be gone, so I would guess in a few weeks.”

“Great! As soon as I hear from you, we’ll get a date set for a gathering. Everyone wants to see you again...even the guys!” Rico laughed and glanced up when Sondra stepped onto the patio. “You sure are a lucky son of a bitch!”

“Thanks! I figured you thought so!”

Sondra blushed as she sat a fresh carafe of coffee with two more mugs, fruit and bowls on the table, then pulled out a chair. Nick reached over and took her hand when she got settled. “Our guests said they slept well last night. I told them you did, too.”

“Nick!”

“Now, babe, you can’t stay shy forever. They had almost as much fun as you did.”

“Stop it!” Her face turned another shade of red; he loved teasing her.

Katherine lowered her sunglasses at Sondra. “You should be proud of the shape you’re in, hon. When I saw you last night, you got
me
so hot...
I
wanted to taste you!”

“Oh my gawd!” Sondra laughed.

“Don’t be offended. I’m not ashamed at all to say that to you.” She replaced her glasses. “I hope you two have fun in Palm Springs. I’m sure you’ll meet some wonderful friends of Nick’s.”

Picking up her coffee cup, Sondra took a sip. “I’m looking forward to some time away to relax.”

Chapter Four

Sondra loved flying but more important, she loved traveling and since this time Nick traveled with her, she was in heaven! He squeezed her hand as the plane landed in Palm Springs, her heart racing with thoughts of fun and sun in this new city. She’d never been here before so everything would be exciting. Nick had told her of the friends he wanted her to meet; were they practicing the same lifestyle Nick enjoyed? Did she really want to know? Laughing at herself, she glanced at Nick who leaned over to kiss her, quick but warm.

“Welcome to Palm Springs, babe...”

“I can’t wait to see everything here.” His blue eyes captivated her, like always, as he smiled.

“You’re going to love it here. Let’s get our bags and head to the resort, change into our suits and relax by the pool with a drink!”

She stepped into the aisle and when Nick’s hand touched her waist, she had to take a deep breath, still surprised that she actually agreed to come on this trip with him. Making her way down the stairs in the sun to the blacktop, Nick took her hand and showed her the way to the baggage pick up. Warm humid air swirled around her, blowing back her hair as she tried to see the mountains, palm trees and open terrain all at once. Her heart raced with excitement to explore her new surroundings. This would be a wonderful place to relax.

“The baggage claim area is far enough away!” Teasing Nick always made him smile and she loved it.

“Walking feels good after sitting on that plane so long. So, does it look like you thought it might?”

“I didn’t know what to expect at all; it’s gorgeous here. I’m surprised how warm it is already when back home it’s just spring time.”

The small airport surprised Sondra but it seemed to do the job of getting passengers in and out quickly. Scanning the crowd who waited in the baggage area, she kept her eyes open for a few of the movie stars she knew lived here. When Nick grabbed the luggage, Sondra connected her small bag atop her suitcase and pulled it behind her on their way to catch a taxi.

Again, Nick took her hand and pulled her close for a welcome kiss. “I still can’t believe you agreed to join me here. Relaxation is the number one priority. No cell phones other than to check message when we need to. Come on, our ride is waiting.”

Outside the glass front doors, palm trees blew in the breeze overhead and distant mountains surrounded the city. The warm air felt good blowing her hair away from her face as she gazed at the blue sky. She looked forward to a relaxing week or two.

Sondra followed Nick toward the taxi area and stopped in mid-step. She certainly wasn’t prepared to ride in a limo, yet, there it sat, door open, waiting for her to get in.

“Mr. Carrington, it’s always good to see you, Sir.”

Looking at the driver, then at Nick, she was presented with his yummy smile as he laughed. She climbed in as they stowed the bags in the back and then Nick sat down next to her. The view surrounding her took her breath away. She loved palm trees and mountains although these weren’t near as high or rugged as the Rockies but still pretty.

“I’m glad you’re excited to be here. I can see it in your eyes. There are so many things I want to show you, to share with you...I’ve waited a long time to bring someone here with me. You’re the first. Not even my ex-wife has been here.” He laughed. “My friends will never believe it! Even after they meet you.”

Nick’s eyes melted her heart every time she looked so deep into them. His sincerity made it easy to fall in love and she honestly felt a tug in that direction with this man. “Then I feel honored that you brought me here to meet your friends. I can’t wait.”

Pointing to a distant location, Sondra followed his direction. “There’s an aerial tram that takes you up the side of that mountain all the way to the bar at the top. This time of year, you’ll need a jacket when we go up there. It’s warm down here, but there may still be snow on the other side of the peak.”

“I’d love to go up there. How romantic. Just being here is romantic. Thank you...” She couldn’t help but kiss him when she looked at him this time. His lips felt so warm and sexy, yet firm and powerful, against hers. She wanted to stay in this fairy tale forever.

The ride to the resort was quiet as she looked out the window, taking in everything she saw. The orange clay tile roofing covered nearly every building and above houses standing guard were the palm trees. Colorful impatiens grew next to native purple grasses; some palm trees were small in comparison to those four stories high. Neatly trimmed shoulder-high shrubs surrounded condo complexes and homes while magenta colored bougainvillea climbed concrete walls along the way to the resort.

“I can’t believe there is still snow at the top of the surrounding mountains!”

Nick only laughed at her as she gazed around.

The limo pulled into a long winding driveway to the elaborate villa-type resort that stood five stories up, also covered with the orange clay tiles. Several fountains splashed at the front entrance where the service employees unloaded other cars. A few guests looked around in awe like Sondra as she watched them.

The chauffer opened their door and Nick got out then helped her out. She smiled at the other guests who watched them. It felt strange standing at the limo while others got out of ordinary taxis and shuttle buses. Nick took her hand as they followed their luggage into the resort where he checked in. The employee called Nick by name then smiled at Sondra. Her cheeks heated at thinking perhaps they knew Nick better than Sondra thought. After all, he probably wasn’t just any ordinary visitor.

The attendant opened the door for Nick then unloaded their luggage. He tipped the Spanish gentleman who shook his hand and left, closing the door behind him. Sondra quickly headed for the windows, pushing open the drapes and took in a sharp breath.

When a cork popped on the champagne, she spun around.

“They brought us champagne, too?”

“I told them I wanted the best for my guest.” He filled both their glasses. “Shall we step out onto the patio? It better overlook the pool.”

“Nick, this is gorgeous! Our room is a suite, not just a resort room. I feel like a princess.”

His fingers laced behind her neck as his thumb caressed her cheek. “You should because to me...you are a princess.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “I’m glad you decided to be here with me. There is so much I want to show you; so many people I want you to meet. I know you won’t remember them all, but in time, you’ll get to know them better.

“Let’s get unpacked, change for dinner and a good time. I hope you like Chinese food because I’m taking you to P.F. Chang’s...we have reservations. They have outdoor seating and tonight is going to be nice and warm for us to enjoy that.”

“You think of everything. You must have made those on short notice since I took so long giving you my answer about coming here.”

“Not to sound conceited but...” he winked at her. “I always get a reservation there.”

At the restaurant, Nick climbed out of the limo and held his hand to Sondra. He couldn’t wait for her reaction to the surrounding shopping area near P.F. Chang’s outdoor seating. She took his hand and he casually admired her cleavage as she bent to get out; he couldn’t help himself. A jolt of sexual tension jerked him hard immediately and he took in a deep breath. Ignoring the mind in his pants, he smiled as Sondra stood with her hand over her mouth, gazing around. The River was an outdoor shopping center that had a man-made river flowing through it. There were fountains and sprawling walkways and bridges that intertwined, making it a beautiful place to walk at night among the lighted fountains and stores.

She stared at him in awe, her eyes wide. “This is gorgeous, Nick. Are we eating so that we can watch all this?”

“We are. Right over there.” He pointed to the covered, outdoor seating at the restaurant and took a deep breath. “Can you smell that Chinese food from here? When we’re finished, we can take a walk so you can see it all. I love it here. I’ve come here alone before and just walked through this area dreaming of what it would be like when I found someone to truly share it with. The peaceful atmosphere allows you to forget all the stress if only for a few hours. Shall we?”

Nick lavished her with hot spicy dishes, lettuce rolls, and fine wine. Her laughter set his heart on fire and he couldn’t remember being happier. As she talked, he watched the excitement dance in her green eyes and still couldn’t believe the two of them had so much in common.

After dinner, he held her close as they walked around the fountains, her patchouli perfume drifting his way each time a breeze came up. She enjoyed tossing coins into the fountains and they each made a wish. Dusk settled in and the solar lights came on, giving The River a romantic glow enjoyed by more than just the two of them, he was sure.

“I had a great time this evening, Nick. You spoil me and spend too much money.”

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy the beautiful woman with me. Money can’t buy happiness but I find it with you. Thank you for sharing this with me, Sondra.”

The cool night air swirled around him and blew her hair to the side. He loved the way she looked at him with those green eyes that bore into his soul each time their eyes met. Never had he met a woman who could understand him so well, work the same long hours he did and still have energy to spend time with him.

“Let’s head back and relax at the resort. Tomorrow morning we’ll enjoy breakfast near the pool and then some more relaxing at the spa. How’s that sound?”

“See? There you go again, spoiling me! But I do have to admit, after flying today, the excitement of being here...I am exhausted. Thank you, Nick.”

Warm tender lips met his and he looked forward to their night together.

Sondra sat amazed at breakfast, dressed in a sundress near the pool with Nick. The perfect setting was right out of a romance novel, but this
was
real. She could smell the flowers, the fresh air, and sip champagne and orange juice with breakfast.  Sitting across from a handsome man with blue eyes that touched her soul also ignited her sexual fires yet again. Today they ate a light breakfast though; she wasn’t big on eating in the morning. The sun already warmed the pool area and children splashed at the far end.

A waiter appeared offering more coffee. “Sir, your double reservation at the spa is in thirty minutes.” He filled both their cups and disappeared.

Her heart raced with excitement as she tried to read his eyes. “You didn’t!”

“Oh, but I did, pet.” He laughed out loud, took her hand and kissed her fingers. “I love surprising you. Did you never get surprised in the past?”

“Not like this! Nick...it’s too much!”

“Nonsense. I love doing this. Promise me you’ll enjoy it.” He stood up to pull out her chair. “Come on, you’ll love this. I get one every time I visit. The massages are so good at the spa, you’ll want one every day.”

* * * * *

Sondra entered the warm, patchouli scented massage room, followed by Nick, and the butterflies in her stomach swirled. It surprised her that he had them use her scent while they were here. Serenity surrounded them in this plush spa room with light teal decor. She took in a deep breath, letting the patchouli fill her senses and she knew today would be a nice treat from her lover. Nick had mentioned to her that in order to enjoy the massage, she should clear her mind, relax and not stop the massage, but enjoy the experience...no matter what.